Motivation

This morning I weighed in at 165.4 up from 160.0 on Friday.  I know it is not true but is showing the trend I have been on lately.  I am posting here today as my way of saying no more excuses.  I want all of you to hold me accountable.  Just kidding, but I do ask for any motivation or support you can give.

July 4 I reached my goal of 160 down from 200 at the start of the year.  July 5 my mom died suddenly.  I spent the next 2 months away from calorie count and dodging the gym almost entirely.  The beginning of September I got back into everything again, but half heartedly.  I did get down to 156, but lately things have fallen apart.  I have lost my motivation for the gym.  I do go 2-3 times a week.  I don’t look forward to it and most days can’t wait to get out.  Diet has been hit or miss, I have good days and bad.

I know what I need to do, I just need to find the motivation to do it.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

good for you burgherbelly! i've had a few 'off the wagon' days myself lately! but weighing in and seeing any loss is usually all i need to get back on again. think of all the benefits that you noticed from your first lot of weight loss. i should probably say i'm in it for the health benefits but i'd be lying. it has more to do with my ego! and vanity - i love shopping for clothes... i've never been into the gym. i either walk or use my wii fit. maybe you could investigate other exercise options to get back into it? mix it up a little? this probably wasn't very helpful lol but just wanted to say hi and hope that u find the kick start you need!

x 

First I want to say congrats on how far you have come. Second, I understand where you are coming from. I have been backsliding these last couple weeks. My low (for one day) was 148, today I woke up at 156. I need to dig back into this and get back where I want to be,145. Remember that it is easier to lose the little weight you have put on now then to wait until it is alot more weight and 3 times as hard. I am going to add you as a buddy, you can add me if you like too. We can kick each other in the butt when we need it. I know I need it right now. I hope you do find the motivation you need. Good Luck.

What would/did your mom think of your weight loss? My guess is that it made her proud and happy, and that she'd want you to keep it going. I lost my parents eight years ago, but I continue to draw on their values to help guide my life.

But you may also be at a point where you need to find a new purpose for this project. I've only recently begun my CC and exercise program, and visions of my new self are still plenty motivating. But I know that once I've acheived my healthy weight goal I'll need to find a way to make it enjoyable to sustain the diet and exercise levels that will be necessary to stay that way. The trouble with gyms is that they're too much like work. Why not replace some of your gym work with active sports like tennis, swimming, squash, basketball, cycling, cross-country running, etc?

I agree with everyone else, we all lose motivation sometimes.  Especially now.. for me as it's getting colder and my sweaters have made their way out of the attic...  I'm feeling the hibernation! Haha.

But, yeah I would look into some more creative options to work out, since you're obviously not getting much (mentally) out of dragging yourself to the gym.  A friend of mine just joined an intramural soccer team...  ALways an option.  Or, are you an animal lover?  Would it be good for you to have a wagging-tail to wake you up every morning to go for a brisk walk?

I also find that I go in phases with my workouts, to keep me interested and engaged.  For instance, last summer I was obsessed with SPINNING (3 days a week), then moved onto Yoga (3 days a week).. Now I do each 1-2 days a week and am getting back into lifting.  I like to find something new to focus on every 6 months or so to challenge myself, then move on to something new.  Does your gym offer anything like Kettlebells?  Dance class? Or could you try a climbing gym?

All of these options often beat a mind-numbing stint on the elliptical machine!!!

Good luck - you'll get there!

The trick is just to keep going no matter how much you hate it. If you stop completely now, you're more likely to never start again! I know that it's hard, but once you're feeling batter and not so upset about your mum (totally understandable and I'm sorry for your loss *hugs*) you will start getting your motivation back. You've just got to stick with it for now, no matter how half-heartedly, until you feel better again. Chances are a healthier lifestyle will help you feel better more quickly.

Congrats on your loss so far!

What made you like your workouts in the beginning? Maybe you just need to go back to basics, or square one. Go to the gym and just randomly do the things you like best!

I tend to need new workout clothes or shoes every once in a while. It sounds weird, but for some reason if I'm really starting to dread my workouts and I buy something new, then I'm raring to go again!

Sorry to hear about your mom. I honestly cannot even imagine how that feels, and I'm sure it's been a struggle...keep your head up!

Maybe sign up for a pilates class

Thank you all, individually and collectively you have been a huge help.  Thank you for your kind words as well. 

A different routine would probably be a big help, unfortunately my gym doesn't offer any classes or group activities.  They call themselves a fitness center and they are bare bones.  But they are close to me and convenient.  I'm a guy so that rules out Curves and another place close by.  I am going to have to look harder, there has to be something else.  I think your right dls337 I need something other then a "mind-numbing stint on the elliptical machine".

tammy_180 I'm going to take you up on the buddy offer and I’m going to actively pursue others.  This has been a very personal journey for me so far.  My wife has been moderately supportive, I am not comfortable talking about it to most of my coworkers and my true friends are 200 miles away and I see them 1-2 times a year.  Which was fun being 40 pounds lighter then last time I saw them.  I think I am going to look into the groups here on CC, maybe one will fit my needs or I'll start my own.